Another week, another staged portrait shot composed through the use of natural light, diffused through natures canopy, with my new Lensbaby Composer Pro.

This week, I went to a place of childlike wonderment and spring time energy.

It was spring break for my munchkin so as any good mommy, I took some time from work to take her out and about in the freshly springtime weather and photowalk our local nature preserves.

She knew that I had scouted the areas for a #styleitshootitshareitmarchallenge shot all month, and with the birthday awesomeness of the Lensbaby Composer Pro, it was time to nail it.

So, without further ado, here is my shot for Week 13 of this portraiture project!

The rules I have laid out are simple – 1) these portraits can be of myself or another model, but cannot be the same image as my other project; 2) There must be a lighting element – whether my studio lights or a consciously planned shoot using natural lighting from the golden hour, etc. The key being consciously planned – no “on a whim”, point the camera at someone and call it complete. These will be portraits per the definition:

por·trait
/ˈpôrtrət/

Noun

1. A painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person.
2. A representation or impression of someone or something in language or on film.

Synonyms
picture – likeness – portraiture – portrayal – effigy

My goal is to expand my portraiture abilities and processing as well as direction I give others while also working on my creative muscles and my own personal style, which I believe to be shooting what I like to see!

“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.”– Robert Louis Stevenson

I think the inspiration that is found in all the world’s wonders – great and small – is what drives me to focus on the surrounding stories for the potential reflections of my soul, which I see in the nature.

Taken today, outside, in the thick of our nature hike. Beautiful, sunny, and everything so full of life. That is inspiration enough, even if every picture was a dud!

I am not infallible; I make mistakes. Life is about making all those little mistakes and learning and growing from them.

“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” – George Bernard Shaw

In growing as an artist, I have learned not to put this square peg in any round holes. I refuse to pigeonhole myself in to one type of artistry, medium, or genre. I am me – beautiful, educated, intelligent, and wise.

I will create art in a manner that suits me, my style, my tastes, and my ambition. I am not conceited, pretentious, or egotistical, I am simply confident in my own style and willingness to make mistakes, which will lead to learning something new.

I have nothing to prove to anyone or anything.

I do not have bold statements to make about myself or my views. If you want to know my stories, stay tuned, if you have heard enough, move on and if you are a dear friend, I hope you will continue to help me fill the chapters in my life story!

While this was moved to my All American Rejects album, it does not mean I do not love the shot any less from my series of Purity Lolita.

Another week, another staged portrait shot composed through the use of artificial 3 stand lighting with my new Lensbaby Composer Pro.

This week, I went to a a place of light and purity.

I don’t have too much to say about the series this week except that I wanted to play off a few concepts this week. I, at first, wanted to use an abundance of light to experiment with the capabilities and creative effects of the Lensbaby. On top of that, I wanted to focus on purity and the juxtaposed allure of a Lolita. Innocence and seduction were the points I was looking for in this shot and I think it worked well.

It was also my contribution to the +Selfy Sunday project ( #ssp ) this week as there was no theme for this session. However, there is still the face close-up contest for the month, which can be found in The Art of Self Portraiture community’s tutorial section by yours truly! =)

So, without further ado, here is my shot for Week 12 of this portraiture project!

The rules I have laid out are simple – 1) these portraits can be of myself or another model, but cannot be the same image as my other project; 2) There must be a lighting element – whether my studio lights or a consciously planned shoot using natural lighting from the golden hour, etc. The key being consciously planned – no “on a whim”, point the camera at someone and call it complete. These will be portraits per the definition:

por·trait
/ˈpôrtrət/

Noun

1. A painting, drawing, photograph, or engraving of a person.
2. A representation or impression of someone or something in language or on film.

Synonyms
picture – likeness – portraiture – portrayal – effigy

My goal is to expand my portraiture abilities and processing as well as direction I give others while also working on my creative muscles and my own personal style, which I believe to be shooting what I like to see!